WHAT DRIVES CASSAVA FARMERS' OUTPUT MAXIMIZATION POTENTIALS? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Cassava is one of Nigeria’s most strategic food and industrial crops, serving as a major source of dietary energy, rural employment, and raw materials for agro-based industries. Hence, output maximization of cassava crop is essential for not only improving household income but also meeting the growing domestic and international demand for cassava products. Despite its importance, many cassava farmers operate below optimal production levels due to several socioeconomic and resource-related constraints. This study examined the drivers of output maximization among cassava farmers. Specifically, it described the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, estimated the level of output maximization, and identified constraints limiting optimal production. Multistage and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 192 cassava farmers, particularly those belonging to cassava production groups in critical cassava production communities in the area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the CDPF. The results revealed that the farmers’ mean age was 43 years, with males constituting 63.02% of the sample. The average farm size was 1.80 ha (approximately 27 plots), and the mean annual farm income stood at ₦740,000 ($546.63). Farmers recorded an average annual cassava output of 20,600 kg. The estimated total elasticity of production was 0.622, indicating decreasing returns to scale and confirming that farmers operated within Stage II of the production function. This implies that resources are not yet optimally utilized while production occurs in the rational stage, leaving room for improved output levels. Cassava production remains a vital livelihood activity in the area; however, inadequate production capital (98.96%), limited access to farmland (96.88%), and high labour cost (84.37%) have emerged as major constraints to output maximization. The study recommends strengthening cooperative societies to enable collective access to productive resources, credit, and inputs. Furthermore, since farmers operate within Stage II, targeted government subsidies and improved access to agro-input dealers should be encouraged to scale up the use of yield-enhancing inputs such as improved cassava varieties, fertilizers, and expanded cultivated area.